Interdisciplinary Research Conference Program 2026

A

Celebration of Scholarship

Interdisciplinary Research Conference

A Celebration of Scholarship

Presented by the Office of the Associate Provost

The Interdisciplinary Research Conference was developed to recognize the scholarship of students and faculty in all disciplines. It provides our undergraduate and graduate students and faculty with the opportunity to present their scholarly work to the campus community. In this context, research is interpreted as any scholarly or creative activity ranging from scientific experimentation to artistic expressions, service-learning, literary criticism or casestudy designs. The conference was designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas among all fields of inquiry, encourage scholarly investigation and foster the educational function of research, broadly defined.

CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ELIZABETH

STICE

Professor of History

Assistant Director of the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program Fellow for Faculty Communication and Development

PhD in History, Emory University | MA in History, University of Hawai’i at Manoa | BA in Humanities-History, Messiah College

Dr. Stice has taught at PBA since 2012 in the history department and in the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program. Her research interests include World War I, empires, European print culture, sport, and world history. Dr. Stice’s book, Empire Between the Lines: Imperial Culture in British and French Trench Newspapers of World War I was published in 2023. She has presented at numerous conferences and published peer-reviewed articles on topics related to World War I and French and British history.

Dr. Stice is the assistant director of the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program. She also serves as a Faculty Fellow for Development and Communication. Dr. Stice has teaching experience in European, imperial, and world history; she has engaged in collaborative research with undergraduates as part of the Arts and Sciences undergraduate research program and has integrated service learning into history classes.

Dr. Stice writes for a variety of publications, including "Inside Higher Ed," "Comment," and "Perspectives." She is the editor-in-chief of the review "Orange Blossom Ordinary." She is a contributing editor for "Front Porch Republic" and for "Current."

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026

The World of Artificial Intelligence – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

8:30–8:50 a.m. AI Based Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

Henry Robichaud and Diogo Silvera

8:50–9:10 a.m. Trinitarian Education in the Digital Age

Dr. Michael Kolta and Mr. Zachary Melton

9:10–9:30 a.m. The Impact of Generative AI on Christian Collegiate Business Education

Dr. Stephen P. Panczak and Dr. Emily Webster

9:30–9:50 a.m. Organic Logic, Divine Logic: How Organic Chemistry Reflects Divine Rationality

Gretchen Whitman

Issues of a Spiritual & Psychological Nature I – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

9:55– 10:15 a.m. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Caregivers

Ilana Rhodes, Lillian Manager, and Abby Huffhines

10:15–10:35 a.m. Exploring Ideal Age for Marriage in Gen Z: Decision-Making, Romantic Beliefs, and Religiosity

Alison Phelps, Kara Matuella, and Dr. Angie McDonald

10:35–10:55 a.m. Law of Attraction

Nathalie Saint-Juste

Issues of a Spiritual & Psychological Nature II – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

11–11:20 a.m. Why Do American Parents Live Vicariously Through Their Child's Sports, and How Does This Pressure to Perform Affect Their Childhood?

Harper Ethridge

11:20–11:40 a.m. Expressive Individualism and the Gospel Gap Among Young Adults Cultural Apologetics

Timothy Cruz

11:40 a.m.–12 p.m. “At Home” in the Trinity? A Trinitarian Logic for Migration

Elvir Ciceklic

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026

Challenges in Our Modern World – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

12:30–12:50 p.m. Writing the Vision in a Digital World: Renewing Christian Stewardship Through Data-Driven Analytics

Grace John and Dr. Ernesto Lee

12:50–1:10 p.m. Selling Childhood: Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age

Jillian Bender

1:10–1:30 p.m. Clickbaiting in Sport Reporting Good or Bad

Matthew S. Farr

1:30–1:50 p.m. The Price of Uncertainty: Ambiguous NIL Contracts and the Vulnerability of College Athletes

Renata Petersen

1:50–2:10 p.m. The Image Objectified: How Pornography Degrades our Humanity While a Theology of the Imago Dei can Help to Reclaim God’s Vision

Josh Harlan

Allied Health & Life Sciences – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

2:15–2:35 p.m. Silver Sol Limits the Growth of Wild-Type Escherichia Coli

Lismary Corcho and Dr. Wesley (Wes) Bollinger

2:35–2:55 p.m. Alterations in Gait in Young Adults – An Examination of Factors Leading to Long-Term Gait Abnormalities

Grace Raspa and Malayna Estornell

2:55–3:15 p.m. The Effects of Creatine on Lactate Threshold, Reactive Strength Index, Muscle Power Index, Top End Speed, and Body Composition in Collegiate Endurance Runners

Chloe Smith and Joseph Basara

3:15–3:35 p.m. Assessment of CPR Quality Among PBA Undergraduate Nursing Students During a Simulated Distractive Environment

Claire Dobulis

3:35–3:55 p.m. Neuromuscular Activation of Respiratory Muscles Before and After Fatigue During Maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Efforts in Athletes vs. Non-Athletes

Karlie Cabrera, Dr. Brian Ferguson, and Dr. Matthew Mitchell

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026

The Humanities – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

8:30–8:50 a.m. Sympathetic Civil War: How the British Portrayed Local Union Sympathizers During the American Civil War

Joseph Stancil

8:50–9:10 a.m. Riordan’s Perseus Jackson and the Chain Links of Classical Reception

Johnna Ryan

Profit with Purpose: The Ethics of Relevance – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

9:15–9:35 a.m. Improving Transparency in Share Ownership

Dr. Daniel Lawson and Dr. Henry Webb

9:35–9:55 a.m. Determinants of Retirement Preparedness in the United States

Phelipe Figueiredo and Dr. Scott Pearson

9:55–10:15 a.m. Back to Home Base: An MLB Case Study on Cultivating the Next Generation of Baseball Fans

Madeline Skiff, Ana Luisa Moura Martins, Katherine Trimbath, Kristiana DeNeui, Calista Hood, Ava Dormer, Oliva Agnelli, Ross Hansen, Maasai Vanburen, and Dr. Emily Webster

10:15–10:35 a.m. Artificial Intelligence in Legal Writing: Efficiency at the Cost of Ethics and Quality

Khimarie Carpenter

Address – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

11 a.m.– 12 p.m. The Christian Liberal Arts University: A Vision for Learning and the Good Life Dr. Elizabeth Stice Professor of History & the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program Fellow for Faculty Communication and Development

Posters are available for viewing in the Warren Library between Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27, 2026

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026

Language & the Legal World – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

1–1:20 p.m. The Influence of Legal Writing on Jury Understanding and Verdicts

Miyah Sow

1:20–1:40 p.m. The Cost of Constitutional Ambiguity: Plain Language and the Future of Rights

Brya Campbell

1:40–2 p.m. Legislative Ambiguity and Its Effects on American Democracy

Leah R. Cook

Invited Presentation – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

2–2:55 p.m. Global Dance Immersion in Korea

Dr. Jin Lee Hanley, Lydia Cross, Francesca Prida, Elizabeth Long, Bethany Wolek, and Vanessa Moynihan

Pharmacology, Math, & the Stories in Between – Lassiter Rotunda, Warren Library

3–3:20 p.m. A Most Remarkable Equation

Professor Marsha Guntharp and Professor Steve Selby

3:20–3:40 p.m. The Two Hours’ Traffic of Our Stage: Investigating the Runtime of Romeo and Juliet

Trent Stephens

3:40–4 p.m. In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) Targeting Staphylococcus aureus

Morgan Shields, Hugh Buera, Adrian Almeida, Gabriela Alves, Dr. Fabio Aguiar-Alves, and Cameron Dobrotka

4–4:25 p.m. In Vivo Evaluation of Antimicrobial Peptides in a Murine Model of Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Hugh Buera, Morgan Shields, Gabriela Alves, Adrian Almeida, Cameron Dobrotka, and Dr. Fabio Aguiar-Alves

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026

THE WORLD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

8:30–8:50 a.m.

AI Based Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

Henry RobichaudU & Diogo SilveraU

Engineering Department of Engineering & Physics

School

of Liberal Arts & Sciences

This design project presents the development of a dual-axis solar tracking system enhanced with AI-guided computer vision to maximize photovoltaic energy capture. The system integrates physics-based irradiance modeling, mechanical design, and a TinyUNet neural network for real-time sky and cloud segmentation. Using solar geometry and cosine-projection angles, the tracker continuously aligns the panel normal to the dominant solar incidence angle to increase effective irradiance. In addition, the vision model identifies clear-sky regions under partial cloud cover, allowing the tracker to adapt dynamically rather than relying solely on geometric positioning. Design considerations include gimbal-based kinematics, irradiance modeling, and energy optimization. Experimental and simulated results indicate that dual-axis tracking combined with AI vision can improve daily energy yield by over 50% compared to fixed-tilt systems. This project demonstrates a comprehensive engineering approach that merges theoretical physics, mechanical optimization, and machine learning to enhance renewable energy performance in real-world environments.

8:50–9:10 a.m.

Trinitarian Education in the Digital Age

Dr. Michael Kolta & Mr. Zachary Melton

Department of Computer Science

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), this paper examines Trinitarian theology through the Augustinian framework of memory, understanding, and love, connecting it to the medieval Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. It contends that an education model grounded in the Trinity promotes human flourishing. This paper concludes that the Trivium can serve as a tool to navigate learning alongside AI, while being cautious to preserve our unique human faculties rooted in the imago Dei.

9:10–9:30 a.m.

The Impact of Generative AI on Christian Collegiate Business Education

Dr. Stephen P. Panczak & Dr. Emily Webster

Department of Management, Marketing, & International Business

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

This study investigates divergent perceptions among business students, faculty, and medium-sized employers in the southeastern United States regarding the utility and ethical implications of Generative AI (GenAI). Our study’s starting point examines how these anecdotal perceptions shape the effective integration and responsible deployment of GenAI within the pedagogical framework of a Christian higher-education business curriculum. Findings show that while all groups recognize GenAI as a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency, there is a significant gap in perceptions about its classroom application. Across all stakeholder groups, there is a strong consensus on the critical importance of ethical considerations, with particular emphasis on academic integrity and responsible professional use. A notable finding was that a large majority of students (76.45%) agreed that GenAI tools improve their productivity and subsequent GPA. The study concludes with fact-based recommendations for the successful integration of GenAI into higher business education curricula, an ethical framework for application, and the need for future research.

9:30–9:50 a.m.

Organic Logic, Divine Logic: How Organic Chemistry Reflects Divine Rationality

Gretchen WhitmanU

Medicinal and Biological Chemistry

Department of Chemistry, Forensic Science, & Oceanography

School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dr. Gregory Rummo, Faculty Sponsor

Organic chemistry, often perceived as an overwhelming maze of reactions and formulas, reveals a striking and elegant order when its mechanisms are closely examined. Substitution, elimination, and addition reactions follow predictable, finely tuned pathways that depend on precise variables, consistent energetic rules, and unwavering mechanistic patterns. This paper argues that such rational structure is not merely a scientific curiosity but a reflection of the deeper order woven into creation itself. The remarkable predictability of organic mechanisms—their dependence on exact conditions, their universal behavior across environments, and their susceptibility to mathematical and conceptual explanation— suggests more than unguided natural processes. Instead, these patterns mirror the rationality (logos) described in Scripture, pointing toward a Creator whose nature is logical, intentional, and steadfast. Through an exploration of mechanistic uniformity in organic chemistry, engagement with scientific literature, and theological reflection, this paper proposes that the laws governing chemical reactions are best understood as expressions of a divine lawgiver. The coherence observed across even the simplest mechanisms becomes a window into the purposeful design of a God who upholds the universe with precision, order, and meaning.

NOTE:

9:55–10:15 a.m.

Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Caregivers

Ilana RhodesU, Lillian ManagerU, & Abby HuffhinesU

Psychology Department of Psychology

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

A child’s hospitalization has been found to be a psychologically distressing experience for primary caregivers (Rodríguez-Rey et al., 2018). Caregivers provide emotional and physical support of their child, coordinate communication among hospital staff and give consent for their child based on medical advice (Williams & Briarley, 2020). Children may be affected by the parents’ stress and emotional state. Hospitalized children of parents with depression have been found to have higher levels of depression and lower functioning in other areas than hospitalized children of non-depressed parents (Garber et al., 2001). The current study investigated the psychological and emotional effects on primary caregivers of experiencing the hospitalization of their children. An online survey included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Hamilton Assessment of Anxiety, and the Perceived Stress Scale to assess depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of length of hospital stays on caregivers’ levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. The amount of time the children spent in the hospital was related to parental depression levels (F(5, 48) = 2.65, p = .03) but not parental anxiety levels (F(5, 48) = 0.91, p = .49). The mean depression score for Group 1 (less than one week in the hospital) was lower than the mean depression score for Group 6 (more than one year in the hospital). Additional results will be discussed.

10:15–10:35 a.m.

Exploring Ideal Age for Marriage in Gen Z: Decision-Making, Romantic Beliefs, and Religiosity

Alison PhelpsU, Kara MatuellaU,

& Dr. Angie McDonald

Department of Psychology

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The delay in marriage continues to increase in the United States, with recent national estimates placing the median age at first marriage at 30.1 for men and 28.4 for women (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024). In the current study, decision-making styles, attachment security, romantic beliefs, and religiosity were examined in relation to emerging adults’ perceptions of the ideal age for marriage among Gen Z students. Participants completed standardized measures assessing these psychological and relational areas through an online survey. The findings show that perceptions of the ideal marriage timing are significantly linked to romantic beliefs and various aspects of religiosity, including religious commitment and beliefs about God, while decision-making styles and adult attachment patterns showed

little association. These results suggest that values-based and relational frameworks, especially those influenced by religious orientation, may have a greater impact on marital timing preferences in emerging adulthood than cognitive decisionmaking tendencies or interpersonal attachment styles. This research adds to a growing body of literature on developmental, cultural, and psychological factors shaping family formation attitudes within Gen Z.

10:35–10:55 a.m.

Law of Attraction

Nathalie Saint-JusteU Biology

Department of Biology

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The staple and statement to share amongst the honest comes from the progression of words translated to the tears within myself to you. Functioning as the transmitter of the Earth, the flow of the river and wind signals the sounds of the singing bird’s feathers with hymns saying “I love you” with each flap soaring through the wind in transparency. Blossoming as a flower from the morning, the dew to place upon a glass blade ruffled the sprucing of youth in the essence of sensitivity in openness from the heart. Embracing the moment of magic to the happiness of sadness, the sorrow of loss captured the soul of yearning to the embrace of emotions I felt to elapse from the grasp of hugs, laughs, smiles, stares, and matching heartbeats. The compliments within myself shared the dew to the feathers to the moment I could share to be with you forevermore for you to claim and announce yourself as mine together gracefully holy in matrimony. This would be the peace within my beloved and I to be truth as it is as always.

I learned to be thankful in all circumstances, but not for all circumstances. The Universe endures the day you have the peace and match to the embark of vocation called “vacations” greater or beyond more to the better in the beyond of life. The answer to share holds weight to what is honest, for me, and to be learned in the plain of understanding the space within wisdom and hold. Courageous for true curiosity explores the world of beautiful lenses recreational within this Earth to explain past the definition of peace and tranquility. The beauty of having a brain to think and the thoughts to form the experience of thinking creates an entry to the experimental science of applying life to love. Love is human, humanity, and all.

ISSUES OF A SPIRITUAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL NATURE -

11 a.m.–11:20 a.m.

Why Do American Parents Live Vicariously Through Their Child's Sports, and How Does This Pressure to Perform Affect Their Childhood?

Harper EthridgeU

Pre-law

Department of Politics & Pre-Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The typical American parent reaches to sports as the highest form of greatness because it brings honor and popularity to the family name alongside bringing to fruition unfulfilled achievements in their personal life. The competitive nature that American democracy has cultivated, and lack of collaboration and awareness of the issue are the main cause. When ambition is unfulfilled, parents can unknowingly forecast their hopes and dreams on their children. Parents must view children as individuals and not as offshoots of their own success. Children are losing their passion for sports at an increasingly scary rate due to the vicarious parenting of the democratic American family system. Although often a subconscious encouragement by parents to fulfill past ambition, it creates a cycle that can only be broken by cultivating a passion for sports and allowing children to express their likes and dislikes for each opportunity. Trusting the God given ambition that is instilled in each and every one of us is what we should pursue. A collaborative approach, that includes listening to the child’s desires, and places worth in relationships versus physical achievements, will combat the very American competition that we experience.

11:20–11:40 a.m.

Expressive Individualism and the Gospel Gap Among Young Adults Cultural Apologetics

Timothy CruzG

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

School of Ministry

In modern evangelical settings, the gospel struggles to connect with young adults influenced by Charles Taylor's expressive individualism, where identity is inward, self-made, and morally approved. Authenticity aligns with inner desires, and external moral claims seem oppressive. Consequently, repentance is misunderstood as rejecting one’s true self, and judgment becomes a moral crime. This study claims the issue is interpretive, not just theological: repentance needs a new narrative of reality. It suggests Acts 17 as a biblical model, with four principles: understanding identity first, re-narrating reality, engaging desire, and viewing repentance as responding to truth, not moral judgment. Paul’s approach emphasizes reorienting toward

the risen Christ, advocating relational authority, repentance as formation, and churches fostering practices that shape imagination, desire, and belonging.

11:40 a.m.–12 p.m.

“At Home” in the Trinity? A Trinitarian Logic for Migration

Elvir CiceklicG

School of Ministry

A pressing theological need today is for a sustained reflection on the doctrine of the Trinity and migration. It has been said, “little has been done to relate migration to the mystery of God.” Ilsup Ahn’s Theology and Migration takes an explicit trinitarian approach but does not engage trinitarian theology at a deep level. The challenge is to go beyond trinitarian language to the level of trinitarian logic. Ahn’s trinitarian reflection on the reality of migration is a mechanization of the Trinity to provide theological warrant for his political concerns. Ahn’s trinitarian theology is not grounded in orthodox trinitarianism. This leads to a lack in his theology of migration and hospitality. Clarity on the Trinity in reflecting on migration is necessary because, as Ahn writes, “[m]igration theology is…speaking about God concerning humanity’s diverse experiences of migration.” A critical examination of Ahn’s work shows the inadequacy of the trinitarian theology undergirding it. An alternative classical trinitarian logic rooted in Nicaean principles offers a clearer way toward a theology of migration through the lens of hospitality. The trinitarian logic provided offers a participatory approach for “making room” for migrants to make them feel “at home” in the life of the triune God.

Break | 12–12:30 p.m.

CHALLENGES IN OUR MODERN WORLD

12:30–12:50 p.m.

Writing the Vision in a Digital World: Renewing Christian Stewardship Through Data-Driven Analytics

Grace JohnG & Dr. Ernesto Lee Business Analytics, Master of Business Administration Program Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

For Christians, journaling is rooted in the mandate to "write the vision and make it plain" (Habakkuk 2:2). While the Bible serves as the ultimate record of divine events—a true book of journals involving past, present, and future events—modern technology offers a new frontier for this discipline. This creative work started as a personal project to help the student track her personal journey, and she is now pleased to introduce WritetheVZN (EnhancedJournaling app: Vision Zoned to Next Level), an

NOTE: U UNDERGRADUATE,

application that modernizes spiritual practice through "Seed" management, reading through the Bible, prayer tracking, daily affirmations, and many other features. Under the mentorship of Professor Ernesto Lee for application development and Professor Madison Ngafeeson as MBA advisor, this project serves as an MBA Analytics Performance Hub (MAPH) case study for the student. It moves beyond traditional diary-keeping by integrating business analytics to evaluate engagement, applying data management, security protocols, and behavioral analytics, the research demonstrates how digital stewardship and business intelligence optimize platform sustainability and individual purpose. The live demonstration proves that ancient spiritual practices and modern data science can converge to help individuals fulfill their divine calling with measurable claritySMART goals are possible with WriteTheVZN!

12:50–1:10 p.m.

Selling Childhood: Safeguarding Children in the Digital Age

Jillian Bender U

Pre-law, Politics

Department of Politics & Pre-Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Over the past two decades, childhood has become increasingly public and profitable. Social media platforms enable parents to share their children’s daily lives with vast audiences, often generating substantial income through advertising and sponsorships. However, this rapidly expanding practice has outpaced legal and ethical safeguards, leaving children vulnerable to exploitation and a long-term loss of autonomy. Existing child labor laws protect minors in traditional entertainment industries but largely exclude the decentralized economy of social media. As a result, children featured in monetized content receive no guaranteed compensation and lose control over how their images are distributed and reused, effectively rendering them uncontracted workers in a billion-dollar industry. Recent legislative efforts, such as Illinois SB172 (2023) represent early attempts to address these gaps by mandating income protections for minors, and recognizing a child's "right to be forgotten," allowing the removal of content posted during childhood. However, such efforts remain rare. This project examines how governments can develop coherent legal frameworks to protect minors from digital exploitation. By analyzing expanded child labor protections and enforceable privacy rights, my research seeks legislative approaches that balance free expression with the fundamental principle that children are persons, not products.

1:10–1:30 p.m.

Clickbaiting in Sport Reporting Good or Bad?

Matthew S. FarrU

English major in the concentration of Professional Writing and Editing

English Department

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Clickbaiting has been used as a tool to draw more people to read an article. According to the Stanford Report Clickbait can be described as “stories with over promising titles often delivering underwhelming content – proliferate news blogs and websites” (Melissa de Witte). Clickbait has been normalized, especially in this digital world. However, when news media clickbaits their audience too much, this can lead to the audience questioning if this source is credible or putting the news media’s reputation at risk. In this presentation, we will discuss how clickbaiting threatens critical thinking and how the media can use more effective strategies than clickbait and examine the relationship between the media and the audience.

1:30–1:50 p.m.

The Price of Uncertainty: Ambiguous NIL Contracts and the Vulnerability of College Athletes

Renata

PetersenU

Politics & Pre-Law with a minor in Spanish Department of Politics & Pre-Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is a legal right that student athletes maintain within college athletics to control how their name, image, and likeness are used commercially. NIL has made a huge expansion in its opportunities for student athletes to receive compensation for their success in college sports. Although these opportunities have reshaped the landscape for student athletes, this research exposes how unresolved ambiguities in NIL and NCAA agreements continue to form inequitable conditions for them. It highlights the need for reforms to protect their rights and avoid long-term consequences. One article written by Moorman and Cocco (attorney and NIL researcher) identify the conflicting language and limitations within the agreements on how unclear definitions shift risk onto athletes. Furthermore, Siantra & Williams (2023) offer a dual perspective examination of the NIL landscape by providing the knowledge of an NIL professional and current college athlete attempting to navigate NIL opportunities. They also illustrate how issues such as inconsistencies within state laws create problems leading to consequences for student athletes. Without well-structured, clearly written legislation and contractual agreements within the NCAA, NIL, and state laws, student athletes are at risk of being exploited and disproportionately disadvantaged, leading them towards long-term consequences..

1:50-2:10 p.m.

The Image Objectified: How Pornography Degrades our Humanity While a Theology of the Imago Dei can Help to Reclaim God’s Vision

Josh HarlanU Biblical Studies

Department of Biblical & Theological Studies

School of Ministry

In response to the pervasive issue of lust in our culture, especially as mediated through the use of pornography, I will argue here that the fundamental assumptions about human persons implicit within pornography are antithetical and subversive to the vision set forth in the theology of the imago Dei, that pornography is thus inherently dehumanizing, and that we must therefore utterly cast pornography aside—as well as every habit, attitude, or instrument of lust to which it is related—whilst definitively reclaiming and advancing the dignity with which God has irrevocably endowed all people. My aim in this paper is first to uncover and re-articulate what has already been discovered about the meaning and significance of our being made in the image of God, to draw a few pertinent implications from this discussion, and then to expose the evil of pornography by demonstrating how it contradicts and undermines each of these implications. I will conclude with a call to chastity.

ALLIED HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES

2:15–3:35 p.m.

Silver Sol Limits the Growth of Wild-Type Escherichia Coli

Lismary CorchoU & Dr. Wesley (Wes) Bollinger Department of Biology School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Silver’s antimicrobial properties have been known for 100s of years, yet its effects on the non-pathogenic wild-type W3104 strain of Escherichia coli remain understudied. In this study, we quantified the antibacterial effects of Silver Sol, a commercially available solution of silver ions dissolved in water, against the W3104 strain. This project examined whether a 10 ppm Silver Sol solution inhibits the growth of the W3104 strain and whether Silver Sol enhances the antibacterial activity of penicillin. A modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used to assess zones of inhibition (ZOIs) across varying Silver Sol volumes and dosages, as well as combinations of Silver Sol with 10-unit penicillin discs. Silver Sol significantly inhibited W3104 growth at volumes ≥50 µL and at a uniform dosage of 10 ppm (p < 0.05), demonstrating measurable antimicrobial activity. However, adding 10 ppm Silver Sol to penicillin discs did not increase ZOI size compared to penicillin controls (p > 0.05), indicating no synergistic effect. These findings suggest that 10 ppm Silver Sol independently limits W3104 growth but does not potentiate the effect of penicillin under the assessed conditions. Higher

NOTE: U UNDERGRADUATE, G GRADUATE

dosage Silver Sol solutions and/or combinations of Silver Sol with other colloidal metals may further clarify Silver Sol’s antibacterial potential.

2:35–2:55 p.m.

Alterations in Gait in Young Adults – An Examination of

Factors Leading to Long-Term Gait Abnormalities

Grace RaspaU & Malayna EstornellU

Exercise Science

Department of Health & Human Performance

School of Education & Behavioral Studies

Altered gait patterns are commonly associated with aging and clinical populations; however, limited research has examined gait characteristics in young adults. This study investigated early gait variations in college-aged individuals, focusing on the influence of body composition and exercise behavior, as well as potential differences by academic major. Thirty undergraduate students (ages 18–24) underwent gait analysis using the BTS G-Walk, a wearable sensor–based gait analysis system. Body fat percentage was used to classify participants into high and low body fat groups, and weekly exercise frequency was selfreported. Gait outcomes included spatiotemporal variables, pelvic symmetry, propulsion, and overall gait quality measured by the Walk Quality Index (WQI). Pearson correlations and independent t-tests were conducted. No significant relationships were found between body fat percentage and gait variables, nor were differences observed between academic majors. However, a significant positive correlation was identified between exercise frequency and gait quality, indicating healthier gait patterns among more physically active students. These findings highlight exercise frequency as a key modifiable factor influencing gait quality in young adults.

2:55–3:15 p.m.

The Effects of Creatine on Lactate Threshold, Reactive Strength Index, Muscle Power Index, Top End Speed, And Body Composition in Collegiate Endurance Runners

Chloe SmithU & Joseph BasaraU

Exercise Science

Department of Health & Human Performance

School of Education & Behavioral Studies

PURPOSE: While creatine has been extensively studied in power and strength-based athletes, limited evidence exists regarding its influence on sprint capacity, lactate threshold, and body composition in an endurance trained population. This study evaluated the effects of creatine supplementation on the outcomes.

METHODS: Participants (n = 8) were collegiate distance runners and were randomly assigned to either creatine (CR) or control (CON) The study used a randomized, placebo-controlled design and lasted 6 weeks. The CR group consumed creatine once daily, while the CON group consumed a visually identical placebo.

Assessments were conducted at baseline and after the 6-week intervention.

RESULTS: Lactate threshold 1 was significantly different between the control and creatine groups at pre and post (C: M = 319.5±31.68; T: M = 242.75±36.95), p = .020; (C: M = 339±30.95; T: M = 265.25±29.83), p = .014. Lactate threshold 2 was also significantly different between the control and creatine groups at pre and post (C: M = 30.19±342; T: M = 270.75±32.85), p = .019; (C: M =389.75±39.93; T: M = 288.75±34.36), p = .009.

CONCLUSION: Creatine supplementation may improve lactate threshold 1 and 2. However, larger and more closely matched samples are needed to further elucidate these findings.

3:15–3:35 p.m.

Assessment of CPR Quality Among PBA Undergraduate Nursing Students During a Simulated Distractive Environment

Claire DobulisU

Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, Pre-Occupational Therapy

Department of Health & Human Performance

School of Education & Behavioral Studies

This study evaluated the impact of a distracting environment on CPR performance, particularly among PBA undergraduate nursing students. The factors assessed were hand placement, compression depth, compression rate, and recoil. Each student did two different test. The first one was a simple 2-minute CPR performance with compressions only, no rescue breaths. The second test was the same, but the researcher asked 10 questions while the participant was performing the chest compressions. Hand placement, overall score, compression rate, and recoil were all measured in percentage, while compression depth was measured in centimeters. Compressions were the only measurement that showed significance between the control and distracted test. In conclusion this mild type of distraction did not cause a large decrease in the quality of CPR chest compressions, but it leaves many areas for further research in this area.

3:35–3:55 p.m.

Neuromuscular Activation of Respiratory Muscles Before and After Fatigue During Maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Efforts in Athletes vs. Non-Athletes

Karlie CabreraU, Dr. Brian Ferguson, & Dr. Matthew Mitchell

Exercise Science

Department of Health & Human Performance

School of Education & Behavioral Studies

This study evaluated the differential neuromuscular response to a fatigue protocol in athletes compared to non-athletes. Though athletes often demonstrate superior respiratory strength for postfatigue, less is known regarding the neural drive - average motor unit firing rate (MUFR) - required per unit of pressure (Mean Hz). Twenty participants (11 athletes, 9 non-athletes) performed

maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP) maneuvers pre- and post- fatigue. The fatigue was induced by a progressive treadmill protocol (70% heart rate reserve). Mean Hz was analyzed from the data using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) decomposition of the 4-channel EMG to isolate average MUFR. This value represents the neural cost in the Neuromuscular Efficiency index (NMEI) formula:NMEI = Max Pressure (cmH20) / Neural Drive (Mean Hz).

The NMEI and maximal pressure failed to demonstrate significant Group × Time interactions (p > 0.05). However, a Group × Time × Muscle interaction was found for Mean Hz (F = 4.86, p = 0.041). Post-hoc analysis indicated that non-athletes displayed a significant increase in inspiratory Mean Hz post-fatigue (Delta = +12.34 Hz, p = 0.033), while athletes showed no significant change but had greater variability (SD = 25.86 Hz).

Non-athletes required compensatory motor unit activation to sustain output, while athletes exhibited a "neural ceiling effect" and superior fatigue resistance. Mean Hz serves as a more sensitive biomarker for respiratory fatigue compared to mechanical pressure or composite measures such as NMEI.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026

THE HUMANITIES

8:30–8:50 a.m.

Sympathetic Civil War: How the British Portrayed Local Union Sympathizers During the American Civil War

Joseph StancilU

History; Mathematics

Department of History

Department of Mathematics & Computer Science

School of Liberal arts & Sciences

This presentation summarizes original research conducted at the University of Oxford on British public opinion during the American Civil War. More specifically, it focuses on pro-Unionists, an often ignored but highly vocal minority in Britain. These groups have received mild scholarly attention over the years, but this presentation distinguishes itself by examining how the broader British public reacted to the pro-Union movement in popular media. This topic has hitherto received no major academic focus and provides a glimpse into Victorian prejudices, social movements, and usage of visual mediums to simplify complicated issues for public reception. This presentation also discusses the broader history of British media, public opinion, and policy during the American Civil War. This research examines five years of newspapers and the popular Punch cartoons as sources, particularly those surrounding mildly humorous public faux pas committed by a pro-Unionist in October, 1863.

8:50–9:10 a.m.

Riordan’s Perseus Jackson and the Chain Links of Classical Reception

Johnna RyanU

English with a Concentration in Professional Writing and Editing

English Department

School of Liberal Arts & Science

Classical reception, the action of classical literature having an influential impact on English literature, reflects a continuing fascination with the classical period. Over the many years since translations of these works have circulated, new works have emerged inspired by them. One popular contemporary book series inspired by classical literature is Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians. This middle-grade fiction has numerous references to Greek mythology, this research will specifically analyze the character of Percy, or “Perseus” Jackson, the titular and main character, and conglomeration of a variety of different heroes from myth. Through analyzing and identifying the different usages of classical influence, the research will also identify where exactly these more contemporary usages of classical reception find their sources: whether from original work in the classical period or from later works individually inspired by the classical period. This lends to this research’s theory and goal, that classical reception is not a far-reaching experience, but a chain, that draws from previous work and pushes toward inspiring newer and following works. This implies an entirely new atmosphere for the new creation of classical reception studies, and what this chain can do, if intentionally considered, in the act of creation and interpretation.

PROFIT WITH PURPOSE: THE ETHICS OF RELEVANCE

9:15–9:35 a.m.

Improving Transparency in Share

Ownership

Dr. Dr. Daniel Lawson & Dr. Henry Webb School of Free Enterprise – Finance Management, Marketing, & International Business

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

In U.S. stock markets, most investors hold shares through brokerage firms, but a growing number now choose to hold their shares directly in their own names through the Direct Registration System (DRS). Shares held this way do not circulate through the normal trading and lending channels used by brokers. As a result, they are effectively unavailable for short-selling or for activities that depend on shares being held in brokerage custody. Despite the increasing use of direct registration at companies ranging from Disney and AT&T to GameStop, current SEC rules do not require firms to disclose how many of their shares are held outside the brokerage system. This creates a transparency gap: investors and regulators often cannot tell how many shares are truly available for trading, which affects the accuracy of publicfloat calculations, liquidity assessments, and interpretations of

short-interest data.

This research reviews several recent examples and shows that directly registered shares can represent a meaningful portion of a company’s total ownership. To address this issue, the paper proposes a simple update to SEC reporting requirements: require public companies to disclose the number and percentage of shares held directly by investors. Because companies already maintain this information through their transfer agents, such a rule would be straightforward to implement and would enhance fairness, clarity, and market transparency.

9:35–9:55 a.m.

Determinants of Retirement Preparedness in the United States

Phelipe FigueiredoG & Dr. Scott Pearson MBA, Data Analytics School of Free Enterprise – Finance

Director of the Center for Financial Literacy

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

This study examines how financial capability influences retirement preparedness on American adults, using data from FINRA Investor Education’s National Financial Capability Study (NCFS, 2025). Applying regression analysis, we find that retirement preparedness is significantly associated with education level, while other socioeconomic and behavioral variables, such as income, financial literacy, debt and student loans, follow the expected pattern and demonstrate consistent while more moderate effects to preparedness. Education emerges as the strongest variable, suggesting that individuals with more education are more likely to plan and save money for retirement. Additionally, the results suggest that respondents with higher levels of financial literacy tend toward greater preparedness for retirement. Although the effect appears less significant than broad educational achievement, financial literacy remains an important component of financial capability, influencing individuals’ ability to plan, save, invest and make smart financial decisions. These results highlight persistent disparities in financial capability across demographic groups and underscore the importance of education and financial knowledge in shaping behavioral and long-term financial security. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to develop initiatives that promote retirement preparedness and financial well-being.

9:55–10:15 a.m.

Back to Home Base: An MLB Case Study on Cultivating the Next Generation of Baseball Fans

Madeline SkiffU, Ana Luisa Moura MartinsU, Katherine TrimbathU, Kristiana DeNeuiU, Calista HoodU, Ava DormerU, Oliva AgnelliU, Ross HansenU, Maasai VanburenU, & Dr. Emily Webster Marketing

Department of Management, Marketing, & International Business

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

Major League Baseball (MLB) faces a critical engagement crisis with Generation Z, a demographic that increasingly views the sport as "slow," "boring, “and culturally irrelevant. This case study investigates the drivers of this disconnect and proposes a comprehensive rebranding strategy to cultivate the next generation of fans. A primary research survey of 102 collegeaged respondents reveals that while linear viewership is low, there is a significant latent opportunity to leverage Gen Z’s strong affinity for nostalgia, short-form digital content, and diverse cultural representation. The proposed strategic framework, "Back to Home Base," seeks to transform MLB from a traditional pastime into a vibrant and modern cultural phenomenon. The strategy is built on three pillars, including a) Modernizing the Product through immersive and nostalgia-themed stadium experiences, b) Digitalizing the Funnel by prioritizing influencer-led short-form storytelling on platforms like TikTok, and c) Globalizing the Brand by authentically amplifying Latino narratives and partnerships. The findings suggest that by aligning the brand with Gen Z’s values of inclusivity and community identity, MLB can successfully bridge the generational gap and secure long-term loyalty amongst a new audience.

10:15–10:35 a.m.

Artificial Intelligence in Legal Writing: Efficiency at the Cost of Ethics and Quality

Khimarie CarpenterU

Pre-law, Politics

Department of Politics & Pre-Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a common tool in legal writing, offering lawyers faster drafting, increased efficiency, and greater consistency. However, this presentation asserts that despite the benefits of the increasing use of AI in providing legal writing for lawyers, there is an underlying ethical concern that may compromise the quality of legal writing in general. Due to the lack of the ability of AI to engage in complex reasoning, exercise professional judgment, and render ethical accountability, the increased use of AI may compromise the quality of legal writing in general, as it is actually incapable of providing this quality through complex reasoning and ethical judgment. The presentation explores the benefits, challenges, and general significance of the increasing use of AI in providing legal writing for legal practitioners while asserting that, despite this, AI should

never replace the qualities of the legal profession, although it may serve as an ally in legal writing.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

11 a.m.–12 p.m.

The Christian Liberal Arts University: A Vision for Learning and the Good Life

Dr. Elizabeth Stice

Professor of History & the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program Fellow for Faculty Communication and Development

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

12–1 p.m.

Poster Presentations

Posters are available for viewing in the Warren Library between Monday, March 23rd through Friday, March 27th, 2026

LANGUAGE & THE LEGAL WORLD

1–1:20 p.m.

The Influence of Legal Writing on Jury Understanding and Verdicts

Miyah SowU

Pre-law, Politics

Department of Politics & Pre-Law School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Legal decisions not only rely on evidence but also on the language used to present that evidence. Jurors are commonly sensitive to wording, structure, and clarity of legal writing. This research will examine how legal writings such as jury instructions, attorney briefs, written evidence, and judicial opinions affect the jurors’ decisions.

1:20–1:40 p.m.

The Cost of Constitutional Ambiguity: Plain Language and the Future of Rights

Brya CampbellU

Pre-law

Department of Politics & Pre-Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

This research project examines the consequences of ambiguous constitutional language and argues for the adoption of clearer, more plain legal wording in foundational legal texts. The United States Constitution was intentionally written with broad and flexible terms, but this linguistic openness has produced significant interpretive disputes within constitutional law. Using Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) as a central case study, this presentation will explore how the absence of explicit constitutional language regarding marriage equality forced the Supreme Court to rely heavily on judicial interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process and Equal Protection

Clauses. The Court ultimately recognized same-sex marriage as a fundamental right, but the decision also highlighted how deeply contested constitutional meaning becomes when key rights are not clearly articulated.

This project argues that if the Constitution employed more precise and accessible language particularly concerning fundamental rights tied to liberty, equality, and intimate association many contentious legal battles might be reduced. The paper does not claim that interpretation would disappear entirely; rather, it contends that clearer drafting could narrow the range of plausible judicial disagreement and improve public understanding of constitutional protections. Drawing on theories of legal interpretation, plain language movements, and constitutional design, this research evaluates both the benefits and potential tradeoffs of greater textual clarity.

Ultimately, the project concludes that while some degree of interpretation is inevitable in constitutional governance, the persistent controversy surrounding cases like Obergefell demonstrates the practical costs of linguistic ambiguity. Greater commitment to plain legal language could enhance democratic legitimacy, reduce inequitable application of rights, and make constitutional protections more transparent to the public the document is meant to serve.

1:40–2 p.m.

Legislative Ambiguity and Its Effects on American Democracy

Leah R. CookU

Pre-law, Politics

Department of Politics & Pre-Law

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

When Congress passes vague or unclear laws, courts and federal agencies often have to interpret them, giving the executive branch more influence over policy and reducing Congress’s authority. This research will examine how legislative ambiguity negatively affects the separation of powers. The separation of powers is the constitutional principle that divides government authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. To understand how this principle is affected by legislative ambiguity my research focuses on Supreme Court cases including Gundy v. United States (2019), West Virginia v. EPA (2022), Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024), and Trump v. Hawaii (2018).By analyzing court opinions and statutory interpretation, the study will examine how unclear laws are applied to policy making. This research will also examine legal doctrines that guide how courts and agencies interpret unclear statutes. Doctrines such as the intelligible principle test, the major questions doctrine, and Chevron deference act as “tests” to determine whether a law is ambiguous. The purpose of this research is to inform students who are interested in legislative work why clear statutes are fundamental to American democracy and the upholding of the separation of powers.

INVITED PRESENTATION

2:00–2:55 p.m.

Global Dance Immersion in Korea

Dr. Jin Lee Hanley, Lydia CrossU, Francesca PridaU, Elizabeth LongU, Bethany WolekU, & Vanessa MoynihanU

Department of Dance College of the Arts

This presentation highlights a performance-based, experiential learning project involving thirteen students and two faculty members from the Department of Dance at Palm Beach Atlantic University who participated in the A-san International Ethnic Dance Festival and related cultural activities during a tenday immersive experience. Rather than functioning as a traditional research study, this project engaged dance as a mode of inquiry through embodied participation, performance, and cultural exchange within an unfamiliar international context. Through active involvement in classes, rehearsals, performances, and cultural encounters, participants explored global dance practices with particular attention to traditional forms and intercultural expression. Movement, observation, and performance served as primary methods of learning, allowing students to experience how cultural context shapes physicality, artistic intention, and communal meaning in dance. The project contributes to performance-based research in dance by emphasizing creative practice as a form of knowledge production. Participants returned to the American dance context with an expanded artistic perspective, deeper cultural awareness, and renewed understanding of dance as a global, embodied language. During the Interdisciplinary Research Conference presentation, the lead faculty member and participating students will share performance excerpts, reflections, student learning outcomes and narratives that illustrate the life-changing impact of this immersive creative experience.

PHARMACOLOGY, MATH, & THE STORIES IN BETWEEN

3:00–3:20 p.m.

A Most Remarkable Equation

Professor Marsha Guntharp & Professor Steve Selby Department of Mathematics & Computer Science School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The equation e^(iπ)+1= 0 is called, “The Most Remarkable Formula in Math,” putting together five of the most important numbers in mathematics in one elegant equation. We discuss the origin/ background of some of these numbers and give some fun facts.

3:20–3:40 p.m.

The Two Hours’ Traffic of Our Stage: Investigating the runtime of Romeo and Juliet

Trent Stephens Theatre Department College of the Arts

When producing an early modern play in our modern times, one must determine how much of the full play one intends to use in the performance text. What is interesting about Romeo and Juliet is that the play’s prologue advertises a runtime; “the two hours’ traffic of our stage” (Prologue, 12). By all accounts, “two hours’ traffic” seems to be unachievable by the modern tongue. A fulltext production of Romeo and Juliet spoken at a “natural speed” of 140 wpm would clock in at around three hours (2:54:22). This timing does not include fight choreography, death scenes, dances, scenic segues, costume changes, and music; all of which are essential elements of the play. As any practitioner can tell you, a play is more than just words; one must suit the word to the action, and such things take time. There are then three theories that are worth vetting. Firstly, that the prologue is incorrect and should be ignored; the “unreliable prologue” theory. Secondly, the early modern actor was a lightning-fast talker, and the audience was attentive enough to follow along; the “fast talking actor” theory. Thirdly, that the play has picked up little bits of text over the course of its performance history and has therefore grown beyond the intended two-hour runtime; the “inflated text” theory. My research investigates these three theories and what this might mean for the modern practitioner.

3:40–4 p.m.

In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) Targeting Staphylococcus aureus

Morgan Shields, M.S.G, Hugh BueraG, Adrian Almeida, Gabriela AlvesU, Dr. Fabio Aguiar-Alves, & Cameron Dobrotka, M.S.

Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Medicinal Biochemistry

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Antibiotic resistance remains a challenge in modern medicine, particularly among infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus JE2 (USA300). This strain acquires resistance through mechanisms including the expression of antibiotic-degrading enzymes and modification of drug targets, limiting the efficacy of conventional therapies. To address this issue, we investigated the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to disrupt bacterial membranes and biofilms, thereby enhancing the penetration and effectiveness of smallmolecule antibiotics. The membrane-disruptive properties of the AMPs DAN-1-13 and HHX-2-28 were evaluated using permeability and membrane depolarization assays. In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against S. aureus. Time-kill assays were performed to distinguish bacteriostatic versus bactericidal activity and to determine minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). In addition, predicted synergistic interactions were evaluated using

checkerboard assays. Antibiofilm efficacy was also assessed to determine the ability of the peptides to disrupt established biofilms. Our results demonstrate that HHX-2-28 exhibits antibiofilm activity and disrupts established biofilms, while DAN-113 reduced cytopathic effects associated withUSA300 infection, promoting host cell protection and limiting bacterial-induced damage. These findings suggest that AMPs, HHX-2-28 and DAN1-13, represent promising adjunctive therapeutic agents against antibiotic-resistant S. aureus, enhancing antimicrobial efficacy while potentially improving safety profiles.

4–4:20 p.m.

In Vivo Evaluation of Antimicrobial Peptides in a Murine Model of Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Hugh BueraG, Morgan ShieldsG, Gabriela AlvesU, Adrian Almeida, Cameron Dobrotka, & Dr. Fabio Aguiar-Alves

Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Medicinal Biochemistry

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Staphylococcus aureus remains a major cause of invasive infections, with biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance limiting treatment efficacy. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that disrupt bacterial membranes and biofilms represent alternative therapeutic strategies. Selected citropin-derived Amps were evaluated in an in vivo murine model of S. aureus infection. Mice were intravenously infected with S. aureus and treated intraperitoneally with DAN-1-13, HHX-2-28, vancomycin, or saline controls, and monitored for 96 hours. Bacterial burden was assessed by colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration from harvested organs, while infection severity was evaluated by abscess formation, macroscopic organ morphology, and survival rate in prophylactic treatments. In vitro MIC, antibiofilm, and host cell protection assays informed compound selection and interpretation of in vivo outcomes. In vitro, DAN-1-13 and HHX2-28 exhibited low-micromolar antimicrobial activity, reduced biofilm formation, disrupted bacterial membranes, and preserved host cell integrity. In vivo, AMP treatment did not significantly reduce organ CFU counts but decreased abscess formation and improved organ appearance. Prophylactic administration of HHX2-28 improved survival rate compared with untreated infected mice. Although bacterial burden was not significantly reduced, improvements in tissue pathology and improved survival rate indicate a beneficial effect on disease progression, supporting further investigation of AMPs as adjunctive therapies for S. aureus infections.

STUDENT AND FACULTY POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS

Antimicrobial Peptides as Next-Generation Anti-Infectives: Mechanisms, Models, and Clinical Pathways

Erika MarmershteynG, Dr. Lucas Hoelz, Cameron Dobrotka, Dr. Matthew J. DellaVecchia, Dr. Robyn Yarsley, & Dr. Fabio Aguiar-Alves

PharmD Program, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Department of Pharmacy Practice & Administration

Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Rio de Janeiro Federal Institute, Brazil

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptide molecules that play an important role in the innate immune system of living organisms. Due to their role in the innate immune system, they have been an increasingly studied group of molecules for their potential use in combatting bacterial strains that are susceptible to antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides are a diverse array of evolutionary-conserved molecules that are naturally found in many different types of living organisms. According to the Data repository of antimicrobial peptides (DRAMP), there are currently 30,260 entries for both natural and synthetic AMPs, all from different origins: Plant AMPs, Bacterial AMPs, Fungal AMPs, Protozoal AMPs, Archaea AMPs, and Animal AMPs. Despite being structurally diverse, these antimicrobial peptides have similar structural characteristics. Most antimicrobial peptides are small, cationic molecules ranging in amino acid sequence length between 12 to 50 amino acids. Despite being first discovered in the early twentieth century, few antimicrobial peptides have been FDA approved for antimicrobial use. One commonly used, FDA approved antimicrobial peptide is vancomycin, a glycopeptide that inhibits the polymerization of peptidoglycan for the cell wall synthesis of gram-positive bacteria. Other areas of research have investigated the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides structurally derived from endogenous human antimicrobial peptides. One such peptide that has been of significant interest is LL-37, an important cathelicidin shown to promote inflammatory modulation and wound healing. By conducting a systematic review of commercially available antimicrobial peptides and their structures in comparison to human antimicrobial peptides of interest, such as LL37, we highlight key structural and chemical properties that are important for the role of these peptides in killing microorganisms.

Artificial Intelligence in Brain Health: A Private Markets Investment Perspective on Brain Capital, Free Enterprise, and Global Impact

Dr. Dana StrachanG

Master of Business Administration Program, Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business Dean, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in the prevention, monitoring, and management of conditions affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health. As public health systems face growing challenges related to the scale, duration, and complexity of global brain health needs, private markets have become an important source of capital for innovation. This project examines AI tools in the brain health sector through the lens of private markets investing and free enterprise. Using structured analysis of AI-enabled brain health platforms, insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos, and peer-reviewed economic and clinical literature, the project evaluates how private capital can enable scalable innovation while maintaining clinical rigor, ethical stewardship, and long-term value creation. The analysis frames brain health as a form of brain capital that supports productivity, economic resilience, and human flourishing.

Association Between Countermovement Jump Performance and Collegiate Playing Time Across Multiple Sports

Nella PetersenU & Dr. Matthew J. Mitchell Marketing, Exercise Science Minor Department of Health & Human Performance School of Education & Behavioral Studies Countermovement Jumps (CMJ) are often used in assessing athletic performance variables such as velocity, power, and jump height. This study addresses the relationship between CMJ parameters and playing time in college athletics, using men’s and women’s teams across 6 sports (total n =254; men n = 131; women n = 123). Data was collected from the past 7 years of athlete testing in Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Human Performance Laboratory, along with corresponding seasonal playing time. CMJ variables analyzed included total power, flight height, and velocity at toe-off (TO). Pearson Correlations by individual playing time and one-way ANOVAs by playing-time-based groups were used to evaluate associations between CMJ parameters and playing time. 27 correlations and 36 group-based ANOVAs were conducted. Only one one-way ANOVA yielded statistical significance in total power between men’s lacrosse playing-time groups (p = .037, n = 18). No other significant relationships were observed when data was combined across all teams (total power, p = .611; velocity at TO, p = .577; flight height, p = .608). These findings suggest that CMJ parameters do not have a significant relationship with collegiate playing time and may be better suited for monitoring training adaptations.

NOTE:

Goodbye & Thanks for all the Fish! PBA Faculty Casting for Academic Research Data in Rough Seas

David M. Compton Office of Academic Research

Since the 1990s, there has been an increased expectation at “teaching institutions” that faculty engage in academic scholarship and empirical research activities. The present study explored faculty perceptions of undergraduate students as research partners and the factors that motivate faculty-driven scholarship at a Christian university that, until the mid-2000s, has been predominantly an undergraduate-serving college. In particular, the current research focused on the experiences of early, mid- and later-career faculty who have been charged with facilitating both undergraduate and, to a lesser extent, graduate students’ learning and emersion in the research enterprise. The study addressed 1) what factors influence faculty to include students in their work actively; 2) how faculty, with heavy teaching loads, organize their professional and scholarly lives incorporating research generally and student collaborations specifically, and 3) from the perspective of participating faculty, how campus factors both fiscal and institutional may hamper or support faculty efforts. Faculty in the allied health sciences endorsed more favorable attitudes than those in the natural sciences in humanities/liberal arts disciplines. Intrinsic factors such as peer recognition differed by both gender and academic discipline. Additional gender and disciplineassociated differences were also detected in consideration of extrinsic factors. Differences in research and teaching orientation factors were observed, as were different experiences with funding success. Collectively, the faculty did not receive any discussions of research expectations during interviews. Last, a hierarchical regression model accounted for 62.3% of the variance in the faculty research motivation measure. The results are discussed in terms of the challenges associated with conducting research at universities with heavy teaching loads generally and, specifically, the issues that confront faculty employed at Christian institutions with research funding restrictions.

Keywords: Faculty, Research, Teaching, Student Collaborations, Personal Interest, Institutional Challenges

Deino Dabs to Keep Up Tabs

Alexandra GraybillU

Interdisciplinary Studies - Intercultural Studies and Communications

School of Ministry

Bacteria is a topic that has been increasing with knowledge throughout the past generations. However, there is a field that can be created through both inputs to create a designed bacterium with a unique genetic marker to identify criminals. Or, in simple terms, a microbe fingerprint. This genetic identifier can link criminals with the crime, or in the scenario being used throughout this plan, a perpetrator in the human trafficking field linked to a woman or child through the micro bacteria. Instead of relying on already made micro communities, like on our skin, this designed bacterium can provide a tracker that scientists can use to specifically identify that criminal with the crime. Due to the many complications that would be needed to do those experiments above, I will instead do an experiment replicating how the bacteria

would be seen to the naked eye via UV light. However, the procedures and equipment listed above would be essential to the hypothesized experiments that would occur with more time and resources.

The Effects of Caffeine and Carbohydrate Co-Ingestion on Substrate Utilization During Endurance Running

Michael KirwanU

Exercise Science

Department of Health & Human Performance

School of Education & Behavioral Studies

This study examined the effects of caffeine co-ingested with carbohydrates on physiological and perceptual responses during steady state running in trained collegiate distance runners. Ten participants completed three randomized experimental trials: fasted plus placebo capsule, carbohydrate plus placebo, and carbohydrate plus caffeine capsule. Heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), minute ventilation (Ve), fractional expired oxygen (FeO2), and blood glucose were measured at standardized time points during a 20-minute treadmill run. Data was analyzed using 3×2 mixed design repeated measures ANOVA. Results indicated that heart rate and RER were largely stable across conditions, with minor increases in heart rate observed during caffeine trials. RPE was significantly lower in the carbohydrate plus caffeine condition compared with carbohydrate alone and fasted trials, suggesting a reduction in perceived effort. Blood glucose responses demonstrated significant interactions between treatment and time, with carbohydrate ingestion stabilizing post exercise glycemia. These findings suggest that caffeine co-ingested with carbohydrates slightly shift substrate utilization toward carbohydrate oxidation while reducing perceived exertion, suggesting an easy strategy for endurance athletes to enhance training and performance.

The Effects of Systemic Blockade of Adenylyl Cyclase Type 1 (AC1) on Fear Extinction Recall

Dr. Edwin Santini

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy

Previous transgenic studies have demonstrated that adenylyl cyclase expression is essential for memory consolidation. In particular, genetically modified mice have shown that type 1 adenylyl cyclase (AC1) is required for hippocampal-dependent long-term memories, including the acquisition of contextual fear conditioning. However, to our knowledge, no pharmacological study has investigated the role of AC1 in auditory fear conditioning and extinction. To address this, we examined the effects of pharmacological inhibition of AC1 during fear extinction. Rats were fear conditioned and assigned to either a control (n = 12) or experimental group (n = 12) on day 1, matched for equivalent levels of conditioned freezing (p > 0.05). On day 2, animals received either a vehicle control or the selective AC1 inhibitor ST034307 prior to extinction training. On day 3, both groups were tested for recall of extinction memory. During extinction training, ST034307-treated rats exhibited similar within-session

extinction rates compared to vehicle controls (p > 0.05). However, 24 hours later, ST034307-treated rats showed significantly higher levels of conditioned freezing than vehicle-treated rats (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that AC1 plays a critical role in memory consolidation and the long-term recall of fear extinction memory. Clinically, deficits in extinction-related mechanisms have been proposed in patients with anxiety disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the role of AC1 may therefore help identify novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of PTSD.

The Impact of Sentiment Analysis Derived from NLP-based AI Models on Customer Purchase Intention in E-commerce Platforms

Thi Thu Hoai NguyenG

Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business

The rapid growth of e-commerce platforms has intensified the importance of understanding how online textual information influences consumer decision-making. This study investigates the impact of sentiment analysis derived from NLP-based artificial intelligence models on customer purchase intention in e-commerce environments. Specifically, the research examines how key sentiment dimensions affect consumers’ intention to purchase products based on online reviews. Drawing upon theories of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) and consumer behavior, a conceptual framework is developed to evaluate the relationships between sentiment factors and purchase intention. A quantitative research design is employed, integrating Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and regression analysis to assess both latent constructs and predictive relationships. The findings are expected to provide insights into how AI-driven sentiment analysis contributes to marketing analytics and decision-making processes. This study offers theoretical contributions to digital consumer behavior literature and practical implications for e-commerce platforms, marketers, and AI-based recommendation systems by highlighting the strategic value of sentiment-driven data analytics.

Parent and Adult-Child Functioning

Lianna RamosU & Isabella VeillardU

Psychology

Department of Psychology

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Although the term “emotional immaturity” is not listed as an official diagnosis according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it can be considered a category to describe people who refuse to validate the feelings and intuition of others’, along with having a lack of empathy and awareness. With this term not being formally established, no researchers have conducted direct studies on emotional maturity and its effects on the people that emotionally immature people associate with. However, a sufficient amount of research has been done on abnormal emotional regulation in parenting and its impacts. A recent study presents that participants who experienced childhood emotional neglect - in a sample from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal

NOTE: U UNDERGRADUATE, G GRADUATE

Study - had poorer cognitive functioning in their middle-aged and older adult life, which could be consequential to their perceived sense of self. Building on the current literature, this study intends to investigate the influence of emotional immaturity, specifically in parents, on an adult child’s emotional development, attachment styles, and self-esteem. A scale was provided for each variable. In our results, the participants' ages range from 18-65, who were predominantly white females.

The Price of Uncertainty: Ambiguous NIL Contracts and the Vulnerability of College Athletes

Renata PetersenU

Politics & Pre-Law with a minor in Spanish Department of Politics & Pre-Law School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is a legal right that student athletes maintain within college athletics to control how their name, image, and likeness are used commercially. NIL has made a huge expansion in its opportunities for student athletes to receive compensation for their success in college sports. Although these opportunities have reshaped the landscape for student athletes, this research exposes how unresolved ambiguities in NIL and NCAA agreements continue to form inequitable conditions for them. It highlights the need for reforms to protect their rights and avoid long-term consequences. One article written by Moorman and Cocco (attorney and NIL researcher) identify the conflicting language and limitations within the agreements on how unclear definitions shift risk onto athletes. Furthermore, Siantra & Williams (2023) offer a dual perspective examination of the NIL landscape by providing the knowledge of an NIL professional and current college athlete attempting to navigate NIL opportunities. They also illustrate how issues such as inconsistencies within state laws create problems leading to consequences for student athletes. Without well-structured, clearly written legislation and contractual agreements within the NCAA, NIL, and state laws, student athletes are at risk of being exploited and disproportionately disadvantaged, leading them towards long-term consequences.

Real-World Outcomes of Cabotegravir/ Rilpivirine in Older People with HIV

Dr. Elias B. Chahine, Dr. Christine DorrityG, Dr. Jennifer Kuretski, & Dr. Harm Maarsingh

Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration Department of Pharmaceutical Science

Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy School of Nursing

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of cabotegravir/rilpivirine in older people with HIV to younger people with HIV.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who visited HIV clinics in Florida between 2021 and 2024. Patients were included if they had HIV-1 infection, were ≥18 years old at the time of cabotegravir/rilpivirine initiation and received the medication for ≥6 months. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the percentage of patients with undetectable viral

load throughout the study period after switching to cabotegravir/ rilpivirine.

RESULTS: Of 350 patients eligible to switch to cabotegravir/ rilpivirine, 138 met the inclusion criteria; 64 were older people with HIV and 74 were younger. After switching, the percentage of patients with undetectable VL was 82.8% in the older patients and 87.8% in the younger ones (P = 0.55). No differences were observed in discontinuation rates (8.6% vs 12.9%; P = 0.54) and injection site reaction rates (20.3% vs 27.0%; P = 0.47) between the older and younger groups. Additionally, there were no changes in liver or kidney function.

CONCLUSION: No significant differences in safety and effectiveness of cabotegravir/rilpivirine were observed between the older and younger groups

Responses to Various Forms of AI

Rachel SargenU & Leila (Eve) BrooksU

Behavioral Neuroscience

Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program

School of Liberal Arts & Science

The relationship between AI and humans is doubtless a complicated one. As AI advances and as humans continue to use it, AI only grows more human. The question of how humans will maintain their superiority draws the mind to consider what makes humans distinct: emotion, relationships, creativity, and innovation. The present study seeks to explore if humans can prove their humanity when put to the test. This will be measured by providing a sample group of participants with various examples of AI generated media and human created media (e.g. poem, painting, short story) in both a survey format and an in-person setting. Participants will evaluate the media based on personal preference. This study will have two main age group categories (college students, and adults 45+) so that age can also be considered as a variable. The key aim of this study is to determine how humans in various age groups respond to AI generated content and how they respond to human created content.

Revolutionizing the Agent: Exploring the Benefits of VL-JEPA

Brayden MontheiU

Department of Computer Science

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The purpose of this project is to explore the benefits of the VLJEPA architecture for agentic generative AI over the current GPT architecture. The first stage of the project is to develop a small GPT style agent that can converse with a user and complete simple tasks such as answering questions or holding conversation. This model has a functioning pipeline and is undergoing training and expansion, achieving a loss number of approximately 4.7 using a dataset containing roughly 110,000 samples of text, with most of the data being short, casual, conversational English and about 20% being long form paragraphed text. The model has successfully learned grammar and semantics and is currently undergoing training to learn topic coherence and word choice. Target loss is 3.7, and further training and upscaling of the model will lead to achieving that milestone. The next iteration

of the model will use vision-learning joint embedding precision architecture or VL-JEPA. This architecture has a projected 50% gain in computing efficiency over GPT, and the end goal of this project is to test that theory.

The Role of Long-Term Impact Training Load on Performance in Collegiate Volleyball Players

Abigail ZylstraU, Macey DormadyU, & Dr. Matthew J Mitchell

Exercise Science

Department of Health & Human Performance School of Education & Behavioral Studies

This longitudinal observational study investigated the effects of a complete competitive season on neuromuscular and biomechanical performance in 18 female Division II volleyball players while examining the predictive capacity of countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) metrics for actual in-game attack height. Preseason and postseason assessments of body composition, CMJ variables, and IMTP peak and average force were obtained. AI-powered video analytics (Balltime) recorded 1,237 successful attack jumps across nine conference matches, providing objective attack height and jump volume. IMTP peak force (-10.7 ± 8.9%, p < 0.001, d = 0.81) and average force (-12.1% ± 9.3%, p &lt;0.001, d=0.93) decreased, whereas CMJ flight height and power metrics were preserved. Mean team attack height was 9’3” (2.82 m). Preseason CMJ flight height and IMTP peak force/BW together explained 62% of the variance in season-long mean attack height (R² = 0.620, p = 0.005). Greater IMTP strength loss was associated with reduced mean attack height (r = -0.64, p = 0.004) and doubled variability in attack height (CV = 9.8% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.003). These findings demonstrate that preseason explosive power and maximal strength are primary determinants of in-game attacking performance, whereas accumulated fatigue manifests primarily as isometric strength loss that compromises late-season spiking consistency.

Servant Leadership for Interprofessional Practice Workshop Series

Dr. Mariette Sourial, Professor Alex Hubley, Dr. Jessica Lendoiro, & Dr. Fontaine Timmer2

Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy School of Nursing

Challenges facing the healthcare industry include the recent global pandemic with burnout and turnover, changes in the perception of work and the multiple generations in the workforce, increased demands and access to quality care. Most healthcare professionals joined their profession due to a desire to help people, which is a guiding principle of servant leadership. Our healthcare workforce needs the help of servant leaders to encourage, guide and inspire others to positively change the status of healthcare and elevate person-centered care. Through an innovative interprofessional workshop series leading to a certificate, a cohort of health professional students in pharmacy, nursing, and physician associate medicine, will learn and apply the tenets of servant leadership as it relates to collaborative practice. The Servant Leadership for Interprofessional Practice Certificate

will equip pharmacy, nursing, and physician associate students with the principles of servant leadership for their future practices. Students will learn about the servant leadership principles, develop self-awareness about their leadership, and hopefully use this new knowledge into practice. Graduates from this certificate program will be prepared to serve as agents of change in their profession to improve patient care and health care outcomes.

Silver Sol Limits the Growth of Wild-Type Escherichia Coli

Lismary CorchoU & Dr. Wesley (Wes) Bollinger Biology Department

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Silver’s antimicrobial properties have been known for 100s of years, yet its effects on the non-pathogenic wild-type W3104 strain of Escherichia coli remain understudied. In this study, we quantified the antibacterial effects of Silver Sol, a commercially available solution of silver ions dissolved in water, against the W3104 strain. This project examined whether a 10 ppm Silver Sol solution inhibits the growth of the W3104 strain and whether Silver Sol enhances the antibacterial activity of penicillin. A modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used to assess zones of inhibition (ZOIs) across varying Silver Sol volumes and dosages, as well as combinations of Silver Sol with 10-unit penicillin discs. Silver Sol significantly inhibited W3104 growth at volumes ≥50 µL and at a uniform dosage of 10 ppm (p < 0.05), demonstrating measurable antimicrobial activity. However, adding 10 ppm Silver Sol to penicillin discs did not increase ZOI size compared to penicillin controls (p > 0.05), indicating no synergistic effect. These findings suggest that 10 ppm Silver Sol independently limits W3104 growth but does not potentiate the effect of penicillin under the assessed conditions. Higher dosage Silver Sol solutions and/or combinations of Silver Sol with other colloidal metals may further clarify Silver Sol’s antibacterial potential.

“They’re Just Drunk, That’s All!”

Lisa TimmonsG

Master of Divinity

School of Ministry

In the New International Version Bibles, the Book of Acts 2:13b ends with, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” Yet, Jesus told them in the Book of Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” They had no idea what He was speaking of. In the New Testament, God’s Holy Spirit gave them babbling sounds to use for prayers to confuse the enemy, words to say, and even interpreted their moans and groans into intelligent prayers on their behalf to the Father. He comforts them, dwells among them, leads and guides them, and gives them words to say when they have none. He gives them Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. Yet, when needed, He sets them on fire for the only True, and Righteous YHWH God who was, is, and will always be!

Embodied Storytelling in Text-Dominant Health Systems: A Media Ecological Case Analysis of Visual Patient Advocacy

Professor Rebecca Dinning-Brinkmann

Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations College of the Arts

Communication failures in healthcare settings contribute to patient distress, confusion, and reduced trust in medical systems. This qualitative case study centers on the story of patient advocate and artist Regina Holliday, tracing how communication breakdowns during her husband’s medical care led to her advocacy and visual storytelling. Through an in-depth interview and analysis of visual artifacts, this research explores how communication failures impact patient advocacy, how visual storytelling functions as a communicative response, and the broader communication functions that art may serve within patient advocacy movements. Data collection is complete, and thematic analysis is in progress. Preliminary insights indicate that visual advocacy offers a strong way to reclaim voice, create meaning from medical trauma, and encourage public dialogue about systemic healthcare issues. By emphasizing lived experience and artistic expression, this research contributes to ongoing discussions in health communication, narrative inquiry, and patient-centered advocacy.

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